‘Hell On Wheels’ Season 4: AMC Renews for Expanded Run in 2014

Well, now this is a surprise, in a manner of speaking. Following production issues that nearly derailed the series altogether and a risky move to Saturday nights, AMC's 'Hell On Wheels' season 4 will move full steam ahead in 2014. To boot, the Anson Mount-Common Starring transcontinental railroad drama will even receive an expanded episode order!

Rather than continue chugging along with a 10-episode order, as had been the norm for the first three seasons, 'Hell On Wheels' will surprisingly expand to a full 13-episodes when the fourth season bows in summer 2014. Says AMC president Charlie Collier in announcing the renewal:

[Showrunner] John Wirth and his team on both sides of the camera delivered a remarkable third season and 'Hell On Wheels' fans responded. We are so proud of this show and congratulate everyone who has contributed to its success. AMC has served passionate Western fans for three decades, so it is particularly gratifying to see these viewers capping off their Saturdays with an original Western on what has historically been a tough night of the week for television.

While 'Hell On Wheels' fared surprisingly well on Saturday nights, its overall viewer intake averaging an increased 3.3. million viewers, we're not all that shocked to see AMC hanging onto the Western drama. The network already made plays to extend the lifespans of its most profitable dramas, including spinoffs for 'The Walking Dead' and 'Breaking Bad,' as well as extending 'Mad Men''s final season through 2015. AMC has already said no to a fourth season of 'The Killing,' while the fate of 'Low Winter Sun' seems equally dire.

Well, what say you? Are you tooting horns to hear that 'Hell On Wheels' will burn even hotter in its fourth season? Tell us what you want to see from Cullen Bohannon on the next round trip in 2014!